Dungeons & Dragons provide players with much creative freedom over their characters. They can dictate their race, background, and most importantly their class. This is the backbone of every character that will determine a variety of aspects. With over thirteen classes to choose from, players have an adequate number of options each fitting different styles of play. Even so, many inventive fans have gone out of their way to create a variety of new homebrewed classes.
Unlike official material, homebrew does not limit players to what is possible in D&D's universe. Consequently, opening the door to many possibilities some awe-inspiring and others unusual, even by D&D's standards. This unrestricted freedom has brought about many distinct homebrewed classes. Many exist to fit a specific niche or test the limits of creation, however, a remarkable few are of exceptional quality. These homebrewed classes are akin to that of official material and are undeniably worth trying out yourself.
9 Con Artist
- Hit Die: d6
- Primary Ability: Charisma
- Saves: Charisma & Wisdom
- Party Roles: Control, Face, & Support
D&D provides players with numerous methods meant to shape characters into deceptive and cunning individuals. However, even with these additions players will never become as duplicitous as the homebrewed Con Artist class. Manipulative and sociable, the Con Artist is an expert of puppeteering others and ultimately bending them to their will.
Con Artists possess many abilities that make them indisputable masters of D&D's social pillar. Using their slick tongue, they can influence the actions of nearly everyone and anything without fail. Aside from their sociability, Con Artists excel in reading others either through conversation or observation. So, for those wishing to talk first and succeed this class is by far the best choice.
8 Gladiator
- Hit Die: d10
- Primary Ability: Strength
- Saves: Constitution & Charisma
- Roles: Control, Damage, & Tank
The Entertainer background allows players to forfeit their role as generic performers to become spectacular arena fighters. While this is an interesting basis for a backstory it is incomparable to the homebrewed Gladiator class. Brutal and glorious, the Gladiator is a master of combat that possesses many unique talents, honed during their time as enslaved warriors.
Due to the arena's unorthodox methods, Gladiators and their approaches to combat are vastly different. Their time in the colosseum caused them to develop a unique approach to combat. Unlike traditional warriors, Gladiators treat battles as a sport, and as such, they draw strength from those around them. This class is the only choice for those looking to become haughty glory-seeking warriors.
7 Necromancer
- Hit Die: d6
- Primary Ability: Charisma
- Saves: Constitution & Charisma
- Roles: Control, Damage, & Support
Wizards can specialize in the School of Necromancy, granting them an understanding and influence over the undead. Despite the numerous necrotic features of this subclass, it fails to capture the essence of the homebrewed Necromancer class. Rather than dabbling in the dark arts of undeath, the Necromancer devotes their entire life to this taboo magic.
As masters over death itself, Necromancers can manipulate the life energy of both the living and the undead. Simply by touching a - living or dead - creature they can siphon its vitality, using it to bolster their own fortitude. Alongside their draining ability, Necromancers can bring forth the dead to serve them. So, those looking to develop an affinity for death should choose this class.
6 Oracle
- Hit Die: d8
- Primary Ability: Charisma
- Saves: Wisdom & Charisma
- Roles: Control, Support, & Utility
Players wishing to become a seer will be greatly disappointed with the limited options available for such a playstyle. Fortunately, the homebrewed Oracle class provides the foresight that many seek. With the prescience of an otherworldly force, the Oracle is an immensely powerful mortal capable of divine feats, although, with a great strain on themselves.
Using their connection to the planes, Oracles can draw and utilize an untold amount of ethereal power. This ability allows them to see that which others cannot or prophesize future events. Alternatively, Oracles may use this astral energy as the basis for their spells, however, doing so risks failure. Players wishing to gain insight into their futures should undoubtedly try out this class.
5 Pirate
- Hit Die: d8
- Primary Ability: Dexterity
- Saves: Dexterity & Charisma
- Roles: Damage, Face, & Utility
A variant of the Sailor background is more criminal in nature offering players a less reputable seafarer playstyle. However, this alternative does not provide the sea scoundrel-esque feel of the homebrewed Pirate class. Dexterous and unsavory, the Pirate is a criminal that enjoys looting and shooting during their journey throughout the deep blue sea.
Pirate's time on the high seas has granted them numerous abilities useful both on water and on land. Their constant plundering and boarding have resulted in many fights making them masterful duelists. This skill is only equal to a Pirate's maneuverability allowing them to move unlike any other. Players seeking to fully embrace the charming sea scoundrel persona should utilize this class.
4 Pugilist
- Hit Die: d8
- Primary Ability: Strength
- Saves: Strength & Constitution
- Roles: Damage, Face, & Tank
The Monk is the designated class for unarmed combat, although, the philosophical element is one that many wish to avoid. Thankfully, the homebrewed Pugilist class offers fist-to-fist proficiency without the help of an order or temple. Instead, the Pugilist's boxer-like fighting style comes from their persistent struggle to survive on the streets
Their time in the slums has granted them mastery over their fists and deeper connections to cities in general. While Monks study under their masters, a Pugilist's only teacher is the streets, and as such their methods are unorthodox yet effective. Moreover, their street smarts are equivalent to a Wizard's intellect. This class is the best choice for those looking to become unruly brawling street rats.
3 Scholar
- Hit Die: d8
- Primary Ability: Intelligence
- Saves: Dexterity & Intelligence
- Roles: Face, Support, & Utility
D&D offers a multitude of ways for players to embrace a knowledgeable or studious character. These options, however, do not come without other features preventing one from being a pure intellectual like the homebrewed Scholar class. Unlike a Wizard or an Artificer, the Scholar relies solely on their wits and cunning to aid them in their affairs.
They have devoted much of their lives to studying and retaining complex information. Therefore, Scholars are keen analysts that take every opportunity to observe and learn. This incredible ability allows them to easily gather information, formulate plans, exploit enemies, etc. Those wishing to become calculative geniuses should pick this simple yet effective class.
2 Shaman
- Hit Die: d8
- Primary Ability: Wisdom
- Saves: Strength & Wisdom
- Roles: Damage, Scout, & Utility
There are many ways for characters to connect with otherworldly forces such as making a pact. However, none allow players to create ties with the Ethereal Plane quite like the homebrewed Shaman class. As a bridge between worlds, the Shaman holds an intrinsic bond with nature allowing them to call upon spirits, or the elements to aid them.
Their ties to nature and the spirit world allow them to interact with their surroundings in a unique way. Using their spiritual connection, Shamans can see into the spirit world allowing them to interact with its inhabitants. Moreover, they can form a bond with a spirit animal that will aid them whenever possible. For those looking to develop a bond with nature, this class is the best choice.
1 Witch
- Hit Die: d6
- Primary Ability: Wisdom
- Saves: Wisdom & Charisma
- Roles: Damage, Support, & Utility
D&D provides numerous spellcasting classes each with its own unique traits and powers. None of these classes, however, approach magic the same way as the homebrewed Witch class. After all, the Witch taps into the magic of the natural world using both nature and spirits to fuel their witchcraft.
Their duality allows them to fall into two different covens: the Black Witch Coven or the White Witch Coven. The former touches upon the darker corners of witchcraft allowing them to grievously harm others. The latter, however, emphasizes more acceptable forms of witchcraft meant to aid others. Players that want to become a spellcaster far different than others should choose this class.